2/19/2010 - 2/14/2020My angel Wilson was the best companion anyone could ask for. Warm, gentle and friendly. He was a sweetheart. Always happy to greet you. It didn’t matter whether you were a family member or a stranger coming in the door. Wilson greeted you with the same tail wagging enthusiasm flashing that Golden Retriever smile. Wilson was the greatest companion, always in the middle of things, always ready to go for a walk or just to play in the yard, a main attraction of the house. He always kept me in sight like a needy toddler. At the end of the day he would curl up next to me while I relaxed in my easy chair. He made my home feel alive, warm and inviting. I miss him tremendously.Wilson loved people and other dogs as well. If I used the phrase “go see” Wilson would run to the front door and look out. If someone was coming up the driveway he would run out to meet them and accompany them up to the front door. If a car pulled up he would be at the driver’s side door to greet the visitor. Wilson loved going for long slow walks in the neighborhood. He was so easy to handle that he didn’t need a leash although I kept him on one most of the time. While we walked Wilson almost never wandered away and the few time he did it was only to greet someone standing nearby. It only took a clap of the hands or call his name and he would immediately come back to my side. Wilson was probably the most well known dog in the neighborhood. I think more people knew my dogs name than knew my name.Arlington Heights, IllinoisFebruary 21, 2020

Wilson came to my home from a local breeder of Golden Retrievers at about 8 months old and was the last boy in the litter to be adopted. I think he was the last because he was somewhat undersized. No, the name Wilson does not come from that Tom Hanks deserted island movie. Wilson is named after the Wilson and Penzias team of radio astronomers who back in 1964 discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation signature (heat remnant of the big bang).

"I wish to express my appreciation to Dr. Tyler Johnston at LapofLove for the loving and caring way he handled Wilson and also for the compassion he showed for me during this most difficult hour."

Wilson was a wonderful companion. Every time Boris and I came, he waited for us at the door and greeted us with lots of tail wagging. I remember, when Tony came and we took a picture of the 'corps' of discovery, Wilson was in the picture and part of the team.We still light a candle (electric) in memory of our last cat Dulcie and that flame now includes Wilson.

Take care,

HeinzHeinz Busta
- March 8, 2020

Wilson was such a handsome and happy guy. He greeted me with the happiest of tail wags and a smile. It was an honor to get to know Wilson and I could tell how much he meant to so many different people. He had that way about him, just wanting to make people feel comfortable and happy. He was a beautiful soul.Tyler Johnston
- February 28, 2020

Rich,We will always remember Wilson as a gentle dog soul. He was your wonderful friend and a great companion for almost a decade. He always offered you his unconditional love and dog support.It would be very hard for us to see you without Wilson!Be strong. Love,Boris and LarisaBoris and Larisa Rozansky
- February 25, 2020

Wilson was PERSONALITY!! A big furry presence in everyone's life. Always happy you came to visit. If you knew Rich, then you knew Wilson, a totally inseparable pair who radiated happiness and sunshine together.I will miss his dog smile and the whack of his tail on my leg. And most of all his joy- which he gave so unconditional to us all.

Peace,SuzySue Zajac
- February 24, 2020

Wilson was one of the sweetest, happiest and loyal dogs I have ever known. He won the jackpot with you Uncle Richie - he knew nothing but love.
I know with Wilson gone you have a big hole in your life, and that you are missing him deeply. We miss him too! You did everything possible to make his life wonderful, I'm sure he is smiling down on you right now.
You may have heard this story before, but it's one I remembered when I heard about Wilson:
"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life - - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' "
Thinking of you and Wilson.
Love,
Kimi & KeithKimi Dunne
- February 24, 2020

.. Sharon
- February 24, 2020

Rich,

We know how much love and happiness Wilson added to your life. He got you out walking and made you smile when you had a rough patch in life. He was a gentle dog and it's true, he was happy to see any visitors and greet them at their cars, tail wagging.

He had a wonderful 9 1/2 years with you -- actually a dog's dream life. Wilson will always be in our memories too.

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